Hirvonen to go 'flat out' from start

Citroen driver Mikko Hirvonen has admitted he will go flat out from the start of this week's Rally Argentina - despite many feeling a measured approach will pay dividends on the longest World Rally Championship stage event since 1996.

Speaking to Autosport immediately after running through the 312-mile route twice on this week's three-day recce, the Finn said he wasn't worried about the length of the event or the challenge it posed. His only concern was thick fog in some sections, which he feels could compromise pace note taking.

"The recce went well," Hirvonen said. "We didn't have any problems. Obviously, it was a bit longer than the other recces, but it was good. The fog is making it difficult to judge the exact distance on the straights, which could make it difficult when we are coming flat out in the rally car.

"For me, you always have to drive to the conditions in front of you, but there is no way we're going to start this event at anything other than flat out.

"We can't give away any seconds by going at less than this speed. Yes, the rally is longer, but this just means we're going to have to drive flat out for more time!"

Qualifying for the fifth round of the world championship starts on Thursday morning, following two free practice runs at the shakedown stage.

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